Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 2/27/2004

Question
Dear Steven,

  I am senior in high school and my assignment is to research a topic that is of interest to us. The topic that I am researching and point that I am trying to make is that the funding invested in the NASA space program has been and should continue to be a valuable endeavourer to many facets of our society. If I could ask you a few question about your view on this subject as an expert in this area.

  First, do you believe that the space program is a valuable spending of our taxpayers' money?  How would you respond to someone with a differing view than yours?
  In your opinion, in light of the Colombia space shuttle tragedy, what do you think must be done to ensure the safety of our astronauts as well as other nation's explorers?
  Recently, President George W. Bush has set out some huge plans.  Do you think that his plans are feasible?
  In what major ways do you see that the space program has affected our daily lives?
  
I appreciate your time for your help.

Sincerely,
Paul Gulas
Kingsmen1234@yahoo.com  

Answer
Paul:
It is a VERY valuable spending of taxpayer money, and we should be spending more on the space program.

It has affected our daily lives in more ways than i can begin to mention.  The very computers that we are using, came from space program research, as did all of the medical devices in hospitals, and most medicines.

Safety can NEVER be ensured, and it shouldn't be.  We can not ensure safety in planes, cars, or on bicycles.  Space flight will ALWAYS be risky, and more astronauts will die in the line of duty.  The astronauts know the risks, and are very willing to take them.

Unfortunately, President Bush's plans will not come to reality.  The funding will be difficult, and if we keep grounding the Shuttles every time there is an accident, we will never go anyplace.

Now for more info on the benefits of spaceflight, go to my web site at http://www.look-to-the-skies.com

Scroll to the section that has "Space Program Spinoffs" and "NASA Spinoff Technology".  There will be some interesting facts on how much the space program costs, and the developments that we use every day.

Steve